#Canada #Toronto #Education Support #Foresters Financial #Competitive Scholarship

Foresters Financial Expands Competitive Scholarship Program for 2026

In a notable development for students and families, Foresters Financial™ has announced a substantial increase in its Competitive Scholarship program, raising the individual award values for the upcoming 2026 academic year. This initiative aims to support a greater number of students seeking higher education while acknowledging their academic achievements, leadership roles, and community service.

Increased Value of Scholarships

As part of this enhancement, the scholarship awards in North America will rise from $2,000 to $2,500. Likewise, in the United Kingdom, the awards are being increased from £1,000 to £1,250. These adjustments reflect Foresters' commitment to providing more financial resources to its members and their families during their pursuit of post-secondary education.

René Zanin, the Chief Legal, Administrative and Membership Officer at Foresters, emphasized the importance of education in opening opportunities: "At Foresters, supporting our members and their families is central to our purpose. Education can open doors to opportunity and we are proud to enhance our scholarship program to continue to help students pursue their goals while continuing to strengthen their communities."

A Record of Support

In the previous year alone, Foresters Financial awarded approximately $1.4 million in scholarships to over 520 students. This financial support helps young people transition smoothly to their next academic endeavors, fostering growth and opportunity within communities across Canada, the US, and the UK.

Application Process

The application period for the 2026-2027 Competitive Scholarship program is currently open. Eligible applicants must either be members of Foresters or related to a member (such as a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or spouse). Specific requirements vary between regions:

• - In North America: Applicants must be 24 years of age or younger, possess a minimum GPA of 3.2 (80% average), completed at least 50 volunteer hours in the two years preceding the application deadline, and enroll in a minimum two-year, full-time undergraduate program at an accredited institution.

• - In the UK: Applicants should be in their final year of secondary school or completing post-secondary education, must also have completed 50 volunteer hours, and meet certain academic standards, which include specific A-level/AS-level or GCSE grades. Enrollment in an accredited UK university or vocational institution for a minimum two-year, full-time study is required, beginning in Autumn 2026.

Returning scholarship candidates must maintain a minimum module mark and complete volunteer hours within the previous year for consideration.

The selection process is unbiased and managed by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), ensuring that applicants are evaluated fairly based on community involvement, academic performance, and a personal essay.

A Commitment Beyond Traditional Life Insurance

Foresters Financial has been reshaping the landscape of financial services since its inception over 150 years ago. The organization stands out not only for its life insurance offerings but also through its community-driven initiatives, which include volunteer opportunities and educational support such as scholarships. By reinvesting its profits into tangible benefits for members—including the expanded scholarship program—Foresters demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the well-being of members and their families.

In addition to its financial aid programs, Foresters engages in various volunteer initiatives. In 2025, Foresters teamed up with KaBOOM! to create vibrant playground spaces in East Scarborough, Ontario, and Blue Island, Illinois. More than 100 volunteers participated in these projects, showcasing the company's dedication to community enrichment.

“We’re incredibly proud of all we've achieved together. By investing in our communities, we can create significant impact beyond our core business,” Zanin noted, highlighting the organization's role in community-building and educational promotion.

Foresters also offers various unique member benefits, including wellness apps, community volunteer grants, and legal document preparation services. Membership is available upon purchasing an eligible life insurance product, hence granting access to an array of resources and support designed to foster growth and resilience in communities.

Conclusion

Foresters Financial's renewed investment in its Competitive Scholarship program is a decisive step towards empowering future generations through education. By supporting its members and their pursuit of knowledge, Foresters continues to make a noteworthy contribution to society, enriching lives and communities in the process. As applications are now open for the 2026 scholarships, the organization invites all eligible members to seize this opportunity to invest in their educational aspirations.